Go into any major city and you see his name on a street. Not only did he live a 
life of great character, but he serves as an example of leadership during turbulent times.
This past year I read the book Martin Luther King Jr. On Leadership by Donald T. Phillips. Not only was this an excellent book to gain a new perspective on this time period, but also he highlighted key leadership principles from his life.
“The greatest channel to peace . . . [involves] talking about problems. . . For as long as we have men, we are going to have differences. And it seems to me we can disagree without being disagreeable.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
Handling Team Conflict
During King’s life there was tremendous turbulence surrounding civil rights. Not only were there differences in the nation, but consensus was not always the norm within his team. As a leader he created an environment conducive to debate and discussion. A key to this was his role.
As the leader he asked many questions and according to Phillips attempted not to take sides. Leaders who feel they have all the answers close themselves off from learning and getting to the best idea. When all participants in the team dialogue in a healthy manner then the best solution is more likely to surface.
Lead People by Listening
Phillips describes the march on Selma and discusses how King sought to be one of the people among the march willing to experience all they were experiencing. What made him do this? King understood effective leaders must understand the people. We understand by listening to their needs and experiencing life with them.
Leaders limit their effectiveness if they hide in the office or isolate themselves from those they lead. Leadership is a people engagement process. As a leader one must interact, listen, and set plans, goals, and strategies according to the needs they learn.
“In order to maintain their position out in front, and to remain effective, leaders must also often follow the direction of others. In short, they must lead by being led.”
Donald Phillips
CIO
No, I am not talking about Chief Information Officer. Leaders provide information, but Martin Luther King Junior was a Chief Inspiration Officer. He understood that leadership was more about inspiring people than organizing them and giving them direction. This is most clearly demonstrated when he shared his dream with thousands before him while at the Lincoln Memorial.
Leaders have dreams and that dream is fueled by passion and that passion is contagious. Some will love the dream and join and some will not. The inspiration must be in us and when we allow it to overflow from us people will be attracted to us and join in fulfilling the dream.
These are only a few lessons learned from this legendary leader. How are you doing in these areas? Are you inspiring those you lead . . . are you personally inspired? How do you handle your team? Do you listen and encourage productive conflict? Want an objective evaluation of your team and leadership? Contact me to discuss a facilitation of The Leadership Game to open communication and increase leadership discussion in your organization. Lead Well.
© 2020 Wheeler Coaching, All Rights Reserved